Networking hair device, system and method

ABSTRACT

A hair styling system with structures that network together to and collectively support a hair style is disclosed. Hair styling structures, in accordance with the invention, include clip structures, such as barrette structures, hair clip structures, hair bead structure and/or band structures, such head band structures, hair loop structures, ring structures and hair wrap structures and combinations thereof. The structures are configured to detachably couple together using connecting mechanisms that allow the structure to couple while holding hair. Preferably, the structures are configured to detachably couple in a number of different ways to support a variety of hair styles.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/378,911, filed May 7, 2002, and entitled “NETWORKING HAIR DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM”. The Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/378,911, filed May 7, 2002, and entitled “NETWORKING HAIR DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM” is also hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to hair styling devices, systems and methods. More specifically, the invention relates to integrating hair styling systems, devices and methods.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Hair styling often involves manipulating hair into a preferred orientation or style and securing the hair in that preferred orientation or style. This current invention is directed to devices for securing selected grouping or sections of hair in a preferred orientation.

[0004] A barrette typically has a body member and a clasping member that open and close through a hinge element and securely closed through a securing element with a section of hair therebetween.

[0005] Other devices include headbands, which wrap around the head to hold lager sections of hair in position. There are also any number of different elastic structures, including rubber bands with and without cloth jackets configured to wrap around sections of hair and hold them in place.

[0006] The so called “Bobby Pin” is also a device for securing sections of hair in position, wherein the “spring action” of its two leg members secure a section of hair in position, usually against another section of hair.

[0007] While many of these devices can be used in a variety of hair styles, they are generally limited to one function. Therefore, there is a need for devices, systems and methods that can be used in a variety of different hair styles and that can provide combined functionality to support a variety of different hair styles and configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The current invention is directed to systems and methods that utilize hair styling devices that are configured to be integrated with one another, such that a hair style can be constructed, or built, and wherein the hair styling devices collectively network together to provide a structure for supporting the hair styles created. Preferably, a variety of different devices can be integrated or networked in a variety of different ways to create a large number of hair styles to suit the needs and taste of the user.

[0009] The system of the current invention, preferably comprises parts or structures that are configured for holding a section of hair and/or attaching to a user's head. The structures includes clip structures, including but not limited to barrette structures, hair clip structures and hair bead structure and/or band structures, including but not limited to head band structures, hair loop structures, ring structures, hair wrap structures, or any combination thereof. Preferably, at least one of the parts or structures comprises a plurality of networking positions for detachably coupling other parts or structures and can be configured to detachably couple other parts or structures in a range of orientations.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention the bands, loops, rings, barrettes, clips, beads and/or warps are configured to couple through any suitable connecting mechanism, including but not limited to a tongue-and-groove connecting mechanism, a ball-and-cup connecting mechanism, a two-part snap connecting mechanism, a loop fabric and hook fabric connecting mechanism and a raised-feature-and-matched-slotted-aperture connecting mechanism. More generally, parts or structures of the hair styling system are configured to couple through regions or locations on the parts that are geometrically or mechanically matched to fit and/or interlock together.

[0011] Band structures and clip structures, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, are configured to be rigid or flexible and can be formed from a wide range of different materials or combinations of materials including but not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, elastic cloth and cloth. Structures with hinge regions can be hinged with any suitable hinge element, including but not limited to a pin hinge element and living hinge elements. Also, band structure and clip structures can be colored or decorated in any number of color and styles to suit th application at hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012]FIG. 1A shows clip structures configured to couple in a chain-like fashion, in accordance with the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 1B-C show hair beads and hair loops that are configured to couple to each other, in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate systems comprising a barrette structure with a plurality of networking positions for detachably coupling clip structures, in accordance with the instant invention.

[0015] FIGS. 3A-D illustrate connecting mechanisms for networking band structures, clip structures and/or combinations thereof together, in accordance with the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 4 shows a headband with a plurality of networking positions for detachably coupling clips structures, in accordance with the instant invention.

[0017] FIGS. 5A-C show a section of a band structure with a plurality of docking positions for detachably coupling clip structures, in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a hair wrap, sleeve or tube structure for wrapping around a section of hair and/or for coupling other band structures or clip structures, in accordance with the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a hair style with a plurality of hair strands coupled to a head band structure, in accordance with the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a hair style with a plurality of hair strands coupled to a ring structure, in accordance with the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a hair style with a plurality of hair strands coupled to a barrette structure, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] A hair styling system, in accordance with the present invention, is configured to hold multiple sections of hair. Preferably the system of the present invention comprises multiple parts or structures that can be coupled, integrated or connected to collectively support or hold the multiple sections of various hair styles. The system of the present invention can include band structures, including but not limited to head bands, head wraps, hair wraps, ring and loop structures, clip structures, including, but not limited to, barrette, hair clip and hair bead structures and combinations thereof, which can be networked, integrated or connected together in two and/or three dimensions. The parts or structures can have any number of different connecting mechanisms for integrating the parts or structures together, including, but not limited to, tongue-and-groove connecting mechanisms, ball-and-cup connecting mechanisms, two-part snap connecting mechanisms, loop fabric and hook fabric connecting mechanisms and raised-feature and-matched-slotted-aperture connecting mechanisms. Also, the connecting mechanisms can include multiple location for integrating parts or structures together in the same or different orientations relative to each other.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1A, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, a system 100 comprises hair clips 102 and 104 that are configured integrate with each other through a set of complementary features 123 and 125, which are geometrically or structurally matched to allow the hair clips 102 and 104 to detachably couple by fitting the complementary features 123 and 125 together.

[0024] Still referring to FIG. 1A, the hair clips 102 and 104 preferably each comprise body members 101 and 103 and clasping members 105 and 107, respectively. The clasping member 105 and 107 are preferably attached to the body member 101 and 103, respectively, through one or more hinge elements 109 and 111, respectively. Further, the hair clips 102 and 104 are preferably configured to open and close through the hinge elements 109 and 111, respectively, and securably close through the securing features 129 and 131, respectively with a section of hair (not shown) between the body sections 101 and 103, respectively, and the clasping sections 105 and 107 respectively.

[0025] In accordance with yet further embodiments of the invention, the hair clips 101 and 103 are configured with additional connecting features 121 and 131, such that additional hair-clips (not shown) can be integrated, connected and/or networked together in a chain-like fashion.

[0026] Now referring to FIG. 1B, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention a system 150 comprises hair-beads 152 and 154. The hair beads 152 and 154 preferably comprise sets of connecting features 159/163 and 161/165 which allow the beads to be linked or connected together by snapping, hooking, fitting or otherwise integrating one of the integrating connecting features 163 and 165 with one of the other complementary connecting features 161 and 159. Still referring to FIG. 1B, the hair beads 152 and 154 preferably comprise parts 151/155 and 153/157, which can open and close through hinge regions 167 and 169 to clasp sections of hair (not shown). The hinge regions can include any suitable type of hinge element, including but not limited to a pin hinge element and a living hinge element.

[0027] Now referring to FIG. 1C, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, a system 175 comprises hair loops 176 and 178. The hair loops 176 and 178 are either rigid or flexible and can be formed from an elastic material, such as plastic, rubber, cloth or combinations thereof. The hair loops 176 and 178 are preferably configured to receive a section of hair through the apertures 18 and 189. The hair loops 176 and 178 preferably comprise an interlocking connecting features 179/183 and 181/185 which allow the hair loops 176 and 178 to be detachably coupled together through a set of complementary connecting features 179/185 or 181/183 while holding the sections of hair.

[0028]FIG. 2A shows a system 200 for networking hair in a three-dimensional configuration, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. The system 200 comprises a barrette structure 202 with a body member 201 and a clasping member 203 coupled to the body section through a hinge element 205 and a securing element 217. The barrette 202 is configured to hold a section of hair between the clasping member 203 and the body section 201 with the barrette structure 202 in a closed position, as shown. The system 200 further comprises a set of clip structures 216 comprising a plurality of hair clips 231, 233 and 235 configured to secure smaller sections of hair. The barrett 202 preferably has a plurality of networking features 211, 213 and 215 configured to detachably couple the hair clips 231, 233 and 235 through the connecting features 221, 223 and 225 and thereby secure the clips 231, 233 and 235, respectfully, to the barrette structure 202, while the barrette structure 202 and the clips hair clips 231, 233 and 235 are holding sections of hair (not shown). The hair clips 231, 233 and 235, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, are configured with additional connecting features 237, 239 and 241, shown by the dotted lines, for detachably coupling with other parts or structures, such as those described below, and/or with each other, as described above.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2B, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention, a hair styling device comprises a barrette structure 250 with a body section 251 and a clasping member 255 that is hingably attached to the body section 251 through a flexible region or hinge structure 253. The clasping member 255 is configured to open and close through the flexible or hinge structure 253 and to be secured in a closed position with a securing feature 257. The securing feature, for example, comprises a two part snap feature or any other suitable mechanism for securing the body section 251 and the clasping member 255 in the closed position with a section of hair therebetween. The barrette structure 250, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, is equipped with one or more resilient spring sections 261 and 261′ for helping to secure the section of hair between the body member 251 and the clasping member 255, with the body member 251 and the clasping member 255 in a closed position.

[0030] Still referring to FIG. 2B, the barrette structure 250 also preferably comprises one or clips sections 263, 265 and 267 that are configured to detachably coupled to the body member 251 of the barrette structure 250 through connecting features 281, 283 and 285, respectfully, as described above and below. The clip sections 263, 265 and 267 are preferably configured to open and close through securing features 271, 273 and 275, respectfully, thereby clasping smaller sections of hair, while the barrette structure 250 is attached to a user's head by clasping a larger section of hair.

[0031] FIGS. 3A-D will now be used to describe several connecting mechanisms for networking band structures, clip structures and combinations thereof, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 3A, a connecting mechanism 300 for integrating parts or structures of a hair styling system comprises a first attaching feature 307 coupled to a first part 305 of the system 300. On a second part 301 of the system 300, there are one or more complementary connecting features 309, 309′ and 309″ that are configured to detachably couple with the connecting feature 307 on the first part 305 of the system 300. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the connecting feature 307 is a raised feature that slides into and locks into one or more of the connecting features 309, 309′ and 309″ that are channel connecting features, referred to herein as a tongue and groove connecting mechanism. Alternatively, one or more of the connecting features 309, 309′ and 309″ are raised connecting features and the connecting features 307 on the first part 305 of the system 300 is a channel connecting features that fits with one or more of the connecting features 309, 309′ or 309″ in a tongue-and-groove manner.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3B, a connecting mechanism 320 for integrating parts of a hair styling system, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, comprises a first connecting feature 337 coupled to a first part 325 of the system 320 and one or more complementary connecting features 329, 329′ and 329″ coupled to a second part 321 of the system 320. The complementary connecting features 329, 329′ and 329″ are configured to detachably couple with the connecting feature 337 on the first part 325 of the system 320. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the connecting feature 337 is a raised ball-like feature that seats or fits in one or more cup-shaped connecting feature 329, 329′ and 329″.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3C, a connecting mechanism 330 for integrating parts of a hair styling system, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, comprises a first connecting feature 327 coupled to a first part 335 of the system 330 and one or more complementary connecting features 339, 339′ and 339″ on a second part 331 of the system 330. The complementary connecting features 339, 339′ and 339″ are configured to detachably couple with the connecting feature 327 on the first part 335 of the system 330. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the connecting feature 327 is a first portion of a two-part snap feature that snaps together with one or more second portions 339, 339′ and 339″ of the two-part snap feature.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3D, a connecting mechanism 340 for integrating parts 345 and 341 of a hair styling system, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, comprises a first connecting feature 347 coupled to the first part 345 of the system 340 and one or more complementary connecting features 342, 344, 346, 348 and 350 on a second part 341 of the system 340. The complementary connecting features 342, 344, 346, 348 and 350 are configured to detachably couple with the connecting feature 347 on the first part 345 of the system 340. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the connecting feature 347 comprises a pair of raised slotted structures 343 and 343′ that are configured to be inserted into a set of complementary slotted apertures, such as 349 and 349′ on the complementary connecting feature 342. The connecting features 342, 344, 346, 348 and 350 can comprises slotted apertures 349 and 349′ in a number of different orientations, such that the first part 345 and the second part 341 are capable of being detachably coupled together in a variety or range of different orientations.

[0035] The complementary connecting features 342, 344, 346, 348 and 350 can alternatively comprises raised slotted structures 343 and 343′ and the connecting feature 347 can comprise slotted apertures 349 and 349′ or the connecting features 347 and 342, 344, 346, 348 and 350 can comprise combinations of raised slotted structures and slotted apertures that fit together.

[0036] It will be clear to one skilled in the art from the description above that first and second parts of a hair styling system with reference to FIGS. 3A-D are band structures or clip structures, as described above. Further, from the description above, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the parts of a hair styling system can be configured to detachably couple together through any number of different mechanisms and combinations and can be configured to detachably couple in any number of different orientations to support a variety of hair styles.

[0037] Now referring to FIG. 4 a system 400, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a band structure 401 with any number of connecting features 405, 405′ and 405″ positioned along a side of the band structure 401 and/or connecting features 403, 403′ and 403″ positioned along an edge of the band structure 401. The system 400 also includes a clip structure 420 (such as a hair bead) configured to receive hair through an opening 421 and/or a clasping region 443 (not shown). The clip structure 420 can include any number of different attaching features 423, 423′, 425 and 425′ configured to detachable couple to one or more of the connecting features 403, 403′, 403″ and/or 405, 405′, 405″ on the band structure 401 or other hair styling structures, such as described above.

[0038] The system 400, in accordance with yet further embodiments of the invention includes a ring or loop structure 426. The ring or loop structure 426 is rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The ring or loop structure 426 preferably comprises one or more connecting features 427, 428, 429 and 430 configured to detachably couple to one or more connecting features 403, 403′, 403″ and/or 405, 405′, 405″ on the band structure 401 and/or one or more connecting features 423, 423′, 425 and 425′ on the clip structure 420. Also the connecting features 427, 428, 429 and 430 on the ring or loop structure 426, the connecting features 403, 403′, 403″ and/or 405, 405′, 405″ on the band structure 401 and the connecting features 423, 423′, 425 and 425′ on the clip structure 420 can be configured to detachably couple to any other number of hair styling structures, such as described above.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-C, a hair styling system 550, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, a system 500 comprises a band structure 551 that can be formed from any number of materials including, but not limited to plastic, metal and/or cloth. For example, when the band structure 551 is formed from cloth, the band structure 551 can be wrapped or tied around a user's head or section of hair.

[0040] Still referring to FIGS. 5A-C, the hair styling system 550, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, further comprises a bead structure (FIG. 5B) that is capable of opening for receiving a section or strand of hair 565 (FIG. 5C) and closing for holding the section of hair 565, while coupled to the band structure 551 (FIG. 5A). The band structure 551 preferably comprises one or more networking regions 552 with features 553 and 555 configured to detachably couple or seat the bead structure 561 with the band structure 551.

[0041] Now referring to FIGS. 6A-B, in accordance with further embodiment of the invention, a hair styling system 600 comprise one or more wrap or sleeve structures 601. The wrap structure 601 is configured to open (FIG. 6A) to receive a section of hair 605 and close (FIG. 6B) to wrap around the section of hair 605. Preferably, the wrap structure 601 comprises one or more connecting features 603 configured to couple with other hair styling structures, as described in detail above.

[0042]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a hair style 700 formed in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. To form the hair style 700, a plurality of sections of hair 703 and 705 are attached to a band structure 701 through a plurality of networking regions or positions 707 and 709. Preferably, the sections of hair 703 and 705 are attached to the head band structure 701 through the networking regions 707 and 709 with hair structures (not shown) using connecting features on the band structure 701, on the hair styling structures, or both, wherein the connecting features are configured geometrically, mechanically or by a combination thereof to detachably fit or couple together.

[0043]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a hair style 800 formed in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. To form the hair style 800, a plurality of sections of hair 803 and 805 are coupled to a ring or loop structure 801 through a plurality of networking regions 807 and 809. Preferably, the sections of hair 803 and 805 are attached to the ring or loop structure 801 through the networking regions 807 and 809 with hair structures (not shown) using connecting features on the ring or loop structure 801, on the hair styling structures or both, wherein the connecting features are configured geometrically, mechanically or by a combination thereof to detachably fit or couple together.

[0044]FIG. 9 shows a prospective view of a hair style 900 formed in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. To form the hair style 900, a plurality of sections of hair 903 and 905 are attached to a barrette structure 901 through a plurality of networking regions 907 and 909. Preferably, the sections of hair 903 and 905 are attached to the barrette structure 901 through networking regions 907 and 909 with hair structures (not shown) using connecting features on the barrette structure 901, on the hair styling structure or both, wherein the connecting features are configured geometrically, mechanically or by a combination thereof to detachably fit or couple together.

[0045] The current invention provides a system for and method of styling hair utilizing hair styling structures, wherein the hair styling structures collectively network together to support and create a variety of different hair styles. While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising a first structure for securing to a user's head, the first structure comprising one or more networking positions for detachably coupling a second structure, the second structure being configured for holding a section of hair.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first structure is a structure selected from the group consisting of a barrette, a hair clip, a hair loop, a hair bead and a hair wrap structure.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of a connecting mechanism configured to detachably couple to a complementary portion of the connecting mechanism on the second structure at one or more networking positions.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the portion of the connecting mechanism is a portion of a connecting mechanism selected from the group consisting of a tongue and groove connecting mechanism, a ball and cup connecting mechanism, a two-part snap connecting mechanism, a loop fabric and hook fabric connecting mechanism, and a raised feature and matched slotted aperture connecting mechanism.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first structure is a clip structure.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the clip structure is a clip structure selected from the group consisting of a barrette, a hair clip and a hair bead.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first structure is a band structure.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first structure is a loop structure.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first structure is a wrap structure.
 10. A system comprising a band structure for securing to a user's head, the band structure comprising a plurality of networking positions for detachably coupling a plurality of clip structures configured for holding sections of the user's hair.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the band structure is a band structure selected from the group consisting of a head band structure, a ring structure and a wrap structure.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of networking positions are configured for detachably coupling the plurality of clip structures in a range of orientations.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of networking positions comprise a portion of a connecting mechanism.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the portion of the connecting mechanism is a portion of a connecting mechanism selected from the group consisting of a tongue and groove connecting mechanism, a ball and cup connecting mechanism, a two-part snap connecting mechanism, a loop fabric and hook fabric connecting mechanism and a raised feature and matched slotted aperture connecting mechanism.
 15. A hair styling device comprising a barrette structure with a plurality of locations for detachably coupling clip structures.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of locations comprises a portion of a connecting mechanism.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the portion of the connecting mechanism is a portion of a connecting mechanism selected from the group consisting of a tongue and groove connecting mechanism, a ball and cup connecting mechanism, a two-part snap connecting mechanism, a loop fabric and hook fabric connecting mechanism and a raised feature and matched slotted aperture connecting mechanism.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the locations are configured for detachably coupling the plurality of clasping structures in a range of orientations.
 19. A method of making a hair accessory comprising: a. forming a first structure configured to coupled to a user's head; and b. forming second structure configured to detachable couple to the first structure and to secure a section of the user's hair.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first structure is configured to couple to the user's head through a clasping member.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the second structure detachably couples to the first structure in a plurality of locations.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the second structure detachably couples to the first structure in a plurality of orientations
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the first member is configured to couple to a user's head through a band structure.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the band structure is a band structure selected from the group consisting of a head band, a hair loop, a ring and a hair wrap structure.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the second structure is a clip structure selected from the group consisting of a hair clip and a hair bead.
 26. The method of claim 19, wherein the first structure is configured to couple to the user's head through a clasping member.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the second structure is a clip structure selected from the group consisting of a hair clip and a hair bead. 